Conservation Innovation Grant - Greenhouse Gas

The Demonstrating Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions in Rice Production Conservation Innovation Grant project is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to rice growers interested in implementing conservation practices for addressing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with Winrock International, has received funding for the initiative. This funding is available for rice growers in Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Craighead, Desha, Drew, Greene, Jefferson, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Poinsett, and Prairie counties.

Lead Partner

Winrock International

Collaborating Partners

White River Irrigation District

USDA Agricultural Research Service at Arkansas State University

Arkansas Natural Resources Commission

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Rice Experiment Station

Mississippi State University

T.E. Fisher Delta Research Center Agriculture Experiment Station

DieselEngineMotor.com, Inc.

Delta Plastics

Yazoo Mississippi Delta Joint Water Management District

Project Goals

The goals of the project are to implement conservation practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields by working with rice growers in Arkansas to voluntarily implement cost-effective projects to field-test GHG-reducing practices, and produce user-friendly technology to help growers access carbon markets.

Conservation Practice Funding

Funding will be available to eligible landowners through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS will provide financial assistance for a variety of conservation practices for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with rice production. Land and producer eligibility, adjusted gross income, and all other program criteria for participation must be met to participate in this initiative. Agricultural lands are eligible for enrollment in the initiative.

Approved Conservation Practices

Drainage Water Management (554)

Grade Stabilization Structure (410)

Irrigation Land Leveling (464)

Irrigation Pipeline (430)

Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface (443)

Irrigation Water Management (449)

Nutrient Management (590)

Pumping Plant (533)

Residue and Tillage Management, Mulch Till (345)

Reside and Tillage Management, No-Till/Strip Till/Direct Seed (329)

Residue and Tillage Management, Ridge Till (346)

Structure for Water Control (587)

Surface Drain, Main or Lateral (608)

How to Apply

NRCS and associated conservation partners will deliver this program collaboratively. Applications may be obtained and filed with the Natural Resources Conservation Service at: